Musical instrument



Dec. 14, 1948. J w MCBRIDE 2,456,008

MUS ICAL INSTRUMENT Original Filed May 29, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR John Br/be I BY M ATTORN EY Dec. -14, 1948. J. w. M BRIDE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Original Filed May 29, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 &

I N V E NTOR ATTORN EY Dec. 14, 1948. WUMCBRIDE: 2,456,008

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Original Filed May 29, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 L I33 INVENTOR ./0/7 Mr: r/be ATTO R N EY Dec. 14, 1948. w, MCBRIDE- 2,456,008

MUS I CAL INS TRUMENT Original Filed May 29, 19 12 8Sheets-Sheet4 L3? /57 a; 1 7 N6 INVENTOR x C /33 BY X f ATTORNEY Dec. 14, 1948. .1. w. M BRIDE 2,456,003

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT .Original Filed May 29, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Dec. 14, 1948. J w MCBRIDE 2,456,008

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Original Filed May 29, 1942 I s Sheets-Sheet 6 42 v 44 8 l 5 52 66 60 e m 7 .62 /2 7 23 NvENToR J06 W/VcEr/ae flaw,

ATTORNEY 1948- J. w. MCBRIDE 2,456,008

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT I Original Filed May 29, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 INVENTOR Joh W Ma 5/702 MIA) ATTORN EY Dec. 14, 1948.

J. W. M BRIDE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Original Filed May 29, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 I N v E NTOR Jo/m 14 A16 Br/ae BY Wu ATTOR N E! Patented Dec. 14, 1948 2,456,008 MUSICAL INSTRUMENT John W. McBride, Burbank, Calif.

Original application May 29, 1942, Serial No.

444,963. Divided and this application December 3,1945, Serial No. 632,410

26 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a musical instrument, and more particularly to a stringed instrument in which the strings are set into vibration by mechanical means. This application is a continuation of my abandoned application filed on May 29, 1942 under Serial No. 444,963 and bearing the same title.

It is one of the objects of this invention to provide such an instrument, utilizing a mechanical means, such as a percussion device, and havin strings the free lengths of vibration of which are adjustable.

It is another object of this invention to make it possible to use the fingers of either hand, or any combination of the fingers of both hands, for determining the free lengths of selected strings, and to operate the mechanisim for setting selected strings into vibration by appropriate manipulation of one or both lower extremities of the body.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a simple form of mechanism by the aid of which the vibration of the strings'is effected by the lower extremities; and particularly to provide a system thus operated that selects the combination of strings to be vibrated.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a mechanism operable by the lower extremities for selecting and vibrating the strings, and constructed in such manner that the rate of angular movement of the mechanism determines the rate at which successive impulses are imparted to the strings.

It is still another object of this invention to make it possible to impart impulses to the selected strings in such manner that impulses are imparted to the strings in succession, rather than simultaneously; and, in this connection, the period intervening between impulses imparted to successive strings may be determined by the operator, as, for example, by the rate of angular movement of the selector mechanism.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be made more easily apparent from a consideration of one embodiment of the invention. For this purpose there is shown a form in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. This form will now be described in detail, illustrating the general principles of the inventicn; but it is to be understood that this detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of this invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of an instrument incorporating the invention;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section taken along plane 22 of Fig. 1, some of the elements being shown in diagrammatic form;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the instrument;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view illustrating the selector mechanism;

Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are fragmentary sectional views, taken generally along correspondingly numbered planes of Fig. 4;

Figs. 8 and 9 are enlarged sectional views, taken respectively along planes 8-8 and 9-9 of Fig. 2;

Figs. 10 and 11 are enlarged fragmentary sectional views taken along correspondingly numbered planes of Fig. 9;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken along plane I2I2 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken along section l3-l3 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 14 is a view, mainly in section, of the selector mechanism utilized in connection with the invention;

Figs. 15 and 16 are views similar to Fig. 14, but illustrating different positions of the selector mechanism;

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary enlarged section of a part of the selector mechanism illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5;

Figs. 18 and 19 are fragmentary sectional views taken along correspondingly numbered planes of Fig. 17; and

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary views of a portion of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 17.

The instrument in general includes a table-like structure I (Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4). As shown most clearly in Fig. 2, this table-like structure is supported by a pair of side walls 2 and a front wall 3 (see also Figs. 4, 5 and '7). The rear of the structure is open to accommodate the lower extremities 4 (Fig. 2) of the player underneath the table I for manipulation of a vibrator mechanism hereinafter to be described in detail. The front wall 3 may be provided, if desired, with a sound reproducer or loud speaker mechanism 5. This loud speaker may be so connected electrically with the musical instrument as properly to amplify the sound impulses produced by playing the instrument.

The player is seated by the table I, and in a comfortable position, so that the lower extremities may take the position illustrated in Fig. 2. His upper extremities may both be utilized for the -wa'llf25 of the'frame 22.

purpose of adjusting the free vibrating length of a number of tensioned strings supported by the aid of the table I. In the present instance eight such strings are indicated (Figs. 2 and 3.) These eight strings in the present instance are shown as comprising two sets of four strings each, the strings of one set alternating with the strings of the other set.

Thus, for example, as shown most clearly in Figs. 3, 5, 10, 12, and 13, one set of strings may comprise the strings 6, i, 8 and 9.

The apparatus for adjusting the lengthof this first set of strings is quite similar to that disclosed in a prior application filed in the name of John W. McBride, Serial vNo. 388,379, filed on April 14, 1941, for Stringed musical instrument, now Patent No. 2,316,799, granted April 20, 1943.

The second set of tensioned strings comprises strings HI, H, l2 and 53 (Figs. 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 1'1 and 13). The mechanism for adjusting the free lengths-of this-second set of strings is quite similar to that disclosed instill another application illed in the name ofJohn W. McBride, Serial No.

434,855, =filed -'on March 16, 1942, for Stringed musical instrument, now Patent No. 2,368,256, -granted January 30, 1945.

While the disclosures of these two prior applications have been substantially embodied herein, any other suitable mechanism for adjusting the free lengths of vibrations may be utilized.

'The firstsetof strings 6, l', 8 and 9 is so arranged that each of these strings is anchored adjacent the right hand end of the instrument as viewed in Fig. 3. At the :opposite ends of these ,strings,.means are provided for tuning, as by the tuning 'keys '18.

Thus, for example, as .shown most clearly in Fig. 8, string 9, representative :of all of thestrings of the first .set, is shown as .having a' knotted right hand end l9 adapted toengage in a keyhole .slot :23. .keyhole slot :20 is provided in the upper wall 2| of the stationary frame 122, which has. E'llOWBl wall 1-23 (Fig. 11). The manner in xwhichtthe frame-22 .isxsupported in the table .I will be described hereinafter. The string 9 passes over I the bottom of .a notch '24 formed in the upright At its left hand end the string 9 passes over a felt damper pad26 (Figs. -18 iand;12'). This damperpad 26 is disposed in a recess -2-'lhformed in :the upright wall 28 of a frame structure 29. This frame structure 29 rests at its .IOXVGI surface in an appropriate recess in-the itable 1 (Fig. 8). "It .is :held in place as by the aid of the flange 3!! which accommodates the -,fastenirrg-screws3l. The left hand wall 32 of the frame 29 is provided with a series of notches 33 for the strings .8, l, 8 and 9. The string '9 passes overoneof these notches and on to a tuning peg 34, accommodated :in an appropriate aperture in thetable -l. The tuning peg 34, together'with the tuning pegs of all of the other strings in the first .set, may be :operated by the keys l8 heretofore mentionedand illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3.

.In order to adjust the free length of vibration of .any-of the strings 6, 1,-8 and '9, use is made (of .a series of rotatable helicall crested rods 15, =l-5, lfi rand l'l (Figs. 8, 19 and 12). These rods, was described 'in the earlier of the two hereinbefore mentionedqprior filed'applications, are .ar-

ranged .for rotation "immediately below the 'respective string. Thus, the crested rod I7 is shown .as having an axis ofrrotationimmediately :below the string :9 and substantially parallel therewith. This rod Fl is shown as *rotatably supportedat its right :hand end by theaid of the the lower portions- 45 of the keys. have ends 15.! istrengthenedas by the ribs 52, and

reduced shaft portion 35. This shaft portion is rotatably journaled in the bracket member 36, supported in an appropriate depression in the top of the table I and having a vertically extending leg (see also Fig. 3). This vertical leg is placed adjacent the vertical wall 31 defining the right hand end of the recess 38 formed in the top I.

The ileft hand .end of the :crested rod I! is provided with a similar shaft portion 39 (Fig. 8) journaled in the vertical wall 32 of the frame 29. This rod, as shown most clearly in Figs. 8 and 12, is cylindrical between the walls 32 and 28; but the crest ll) of the rod I 1 ends quite closely to the right hand side of the wall 28. The wall 28 may be slotted, as indicated in Fig. 12, to permit the freepassage of the rod 11.

As explained in the earlier of the two prior applications hereinbefore identified, the angular position of the rod l'l determines which point of the helical-like crest 40 is in contact with the string 9, andaccordingly determines its free vibrati-ngilength. For rotating these rods ill, 15, It

and 1.1 toany desired extent tozadjust the length of the corresponding string, use is made of a plurality offkeys 40, M, 42 and 43 (Figs. 3, 8 and-i2). These keys eachhave .an upper portion in sliding contact with the lower surface of a protector .plate 44. .A lower portion of 'each of the keys slides .in a dovetail slide provided in the bottom of the'frame .29. The dovetail may be formed for examplebyza plurality of strips 45, ll, 48, 49

and 50. These strips have edges overlapping These keys capable of being manipulated by the fingers of the player.

A downward depression of anyone of the keys .4.6, 41,42, '43, as viewed :in Fig. 3, or a motion toward :therig-ht, as viewed in Fig. 12, will cause a corresponding rod [4, l5, l6, or IT to be rotated .:in .a counterclockwise "direction. Motion of the ikeysimay betransmitted to the .rods by the aid of wawspiral "Spring disposed over the cylindrical left hand :portions of the rods. For example, rod

:l-'6.,-\with which :key 42 is associated, .is provided with a spiral spning 52. The inner end of the spiral spring is anchored .in a keyway 53 of the rod 15. The outer .end 54 isanchored in a-slot .55

formed ,in the bottomgportion =45 of the key 22. -'Asthe;key 42 :is pushed inwardly, :or toward the right as viewed in Fig. 12, the spring 52 is un- -wound:and rod :16 is rotated. The degree of unwinding is determined by the position of the .key 4.2. Release of the key will permit the spiral :spring 52 to'wind up on the rod 16 and to urge the .key 42 back to its starting position.

The-starting position is limited as by the bottom wall of the frame .29. For this purpose, frame 2-9 has @a slot .51 (Fig. 12) into which-stop pin .55 extends. This pin iscarried by the lower sideof key 45 and contacts the left :hand wall of slot 51 when the manipulation ofkey 45 ends. A similar :key mechanism is provided for-each ,iofithe rods I4, 1 5, :l6,:and 11.

These z-key mechanisms are produced by the cover ,member 44 which may be conveniently hinged, =assindicated at 58 (Figs. '3 and I2), 'toa ihinge-plate-59 disposed on .oneedge of the table "I Conveniently, the inner edge'lifl ((Fig. 3-) 0f the protectingscover lflnray cooperate with graduationsysuch as slpmarked on the upper surface of These graduations thus serve as an the corresponding helically crested rod and, accordingly, the pitch of the corresponding string.

When the keys 40', M, 42, and 43 are in'the'i'r outermost positions, and stop pins 56 are active against the left hand end of the slots 51, the free length of the corresponding string is determined by the left hand ends of the crests. As shown most clearly in Fig. 3, these crests, in this free position, engage the strings quite close to the end wall 28 of frame 29. v I

As shown most clearly in Fig 8, the cover plate 44 projects over the pegs 39. At its right hand edge it may be provided with a series of downwardly depending ears 52. It may also be provided with an ornamental apex 63. This cover or protector plate may of course be swung about the hinge 58 to gain access to the key mechanism and to the strings. This is necessary in the event of replacement or repair of the strings or any of the associated parts. The protecting cover forms a convenient rest for the left hand of the player in the process of manipulation of the keys 49, M, 42 and 43. The electrical pickup to transform the vibrations of the string into electrical vibrations so that they may be utilized in connection with the loud speaker-5 is indicated in diagrammatic fashion by the rectangles 64 in Fig. 3. These rectangles are intended to represent the pickup mechanism supported in the table I and disposed respectively under the strings 6, I, B and 9.

Control of the electrical circuits utilized in connection with the electrical pick-up is provided by the aid of a pivoted lever 65 (Figs. 3 and 12). This pivoted lever is provided with an appropriate head or handle 86 arranged at the right of the key 43 for convenient manipulation by the thumb of the player. It is shown in Fig. 12 as pivoted in a post 61 supported in any appropriate manner in the bottom wall of the table I. A recess 68 is provided for its accommodation. The lever 65 is shown as provided with a plurality of spring contacts 69 forming circuit controllers in conjunction with a stationary portion I of the mechanism. These circuit controllers, comprising the spring fingers 69 and the member ID, may provide variable resistors or other impedances adapted to be adjusted by appropriate manipulation of the head or handle 66.

In order to permit freedom of movement of the fingers of the player, the table I may be provided with a recess I'I (Fig. 3) beneath and around the outer ends of the keys 48, 4|, 42, 43 and the lever 65.

The second set of strings I0, II, I2 and I3, a1- ternating with the first set of strings is so arranged that the free length of these strings may be adjusted by the right hand of the player. The left hand ends of the strings in the second set are anchored in the wall 28 of frame 29 (Figs. 9 and 12) For this purpose the wall 28 is shown as provided with the keyhole slots 12, receiving the knotted ends of the strings. Furthermore, the

'upper edge of the wall 28 is notched for the accommodation of these strings.

The right hand ends of these strings pass over the felt damping pads I3 disposed on the top wall 2I of the frame 22 (Figs. 9, 11 and 13) The left hand wall 25 of frame 22 is provided with appropriate recesses as clearly indicated in Fig. 13, for accommodation of these damping pads. The rear wall I4 (Figs. 9 and 11) is provided with appropriate notches such as I4 over the bottom of which the strings II), II, I2 and I3 respectively pass. The right hand ends of the strings are each wound around a tuning peg such as I5 (Fig. 9).

6 The tuning pegs may be turned as by the aid of the keys I6 illustrated in Fig. 3.

Projecting from the rear of the frame 22 is a narrow flange 11. By the aid of this flange the frame 22 may be attached to the top of the table. The right hand wall I4 projects downwardly against a wall I8 forming one end of the recess I9 formed underneath the strings of the second set (Figs. 2, 9 and 11) The mechanism for adjusting the free length of each -of the second set of strings I0, II, I2 and I3 can be explained most clearly in connection with Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 13. This mechanism is quite similar to that disclosed in the later of the two prior filed applications herein'oefore identified. Y

The mechanism associated with string I3 and illustrated in Fig. 9, is illustrative of the mechanism for all of the other strings. Therefore the description of the mechanism for this string will serve as a description for all of them.

Disposed immediately below the string I3 is a series of movable frets 89, any one or pair of which may be urged into contact with the lower end of the string I3. These frets are in the form of rectangular bars arranged transversely to the string (Fig. 3) They are guided for movement toward and away from the string I3 by the aid of a channel guide 8|, there being one such guide associated with each string. This channel guide, as shown most clearly in Figs. 9, 10 and 13, has depending flanges and a lower guide member 82. A series of screws, such as 83, serves to hold parts BI and 82 together. Furthermore, the guide member BI has a projecting portion 84 (Fig. 9) which extends beneath the upper wall 2| of frame 22. Through these overlapping edges may be passed fasteningmeans, such as the screws 85. At the left hand end the guide 8| is attached to the table I as by the aid of the projection 86 which is received in a shallow recess in the top of the table;

Each of the frets is urged, as by a compression spring 81, in a direction away from the string I3. These compression springs are disposed around a corresponding fret 80. Its upper end abuts the lower surface of the guide 8|. Its lower end acts upon a pin 88 passing transversely through the fret 80.

Movement of a selected fret or pair of frets to determine the free length of the string I3 is accomplished by the aid of a rotatable rod 89 disposed beneath the guide 82 and having an axis of rotation substantially parallel with the string I3. This rod 89 is provided at its right hand end with a short shaft 90 (Fig. 9) journaled in the wall I4, At its left hand end the rod 89 is provided with similar shaft 9| journaled in a bearing member 92 fasten-ed to the bottom side of the cover 82.

In addition, one or more intermediate bearings may be provided for all of the rods 89. For example, a bearing member 93 (Figs. 9 and 10) may be fastened to the guide 8 I82 so as to depend therefrom. This bearing member 93 extends across all of the rods 89 and is provided with half round recesses for the accommodation of the reduced portions 94 of the rods 89. A cap member 95 is fastened over this bearing member 93 to complete the bearing mechanism.

' The frets 80 project downwardly beyond the cover member 82. They are each provided with a pointed'carn follower projection 96. Cooperating with these projections are a series of cams 91. These cams are carried by the rod 89 and are airs-aces angularly. displaced to form a general helical-like arrangement. As explained in the specification of. one of the prior. filed applications, these cams may'be'brought int'o action in succession to operate any pair offrets 80. This; is accomplished by appropriate angular adjustment of the rod 89-.

Angular movement of therod 89 and the other three rods associated with the other three strings I0, I I and I2, is accomplished by appropriate manipulation of the-keys: 98, 99;. I08 and till. These keys: are arranged. at the right hand? end of the instrument as viewed in Fig. 3' and are quite similar' to the keys 40', M, 42' and 43. They are intended to be manipulated by the fingers of the right hand of the player.

Key IIII operating the rod 89 corresponding. to string I3 is guided for movement transverse to the: strings, by the aid. of a recess formed in the lower wall. 23' of the frame 22. The key is held in thisrecess as by the aid of the strips I02 and I03 (Fig. 9) overlapping the. edges of: the key. Strips of this character cooperate with the other keys 9B, 99 and Hill, in order to retain them in their guides in the lower wall of frame 22.

Rod 89- is urged in a counterclockwise direction asv viewed in Figs. 11' and 13, by the spiral spring. I04. This sprial springv has its inner end anchored in a slot formed in the rod 89 and its outer end is anchored to the key IUI In the free position of the: key ml, the extreme right hand fret 80 (Fig. 9) is urged into contact with the string I3, thereby determining the normal free length. The key IIH is limited in its motion toward the left as viewed in Fig. 11 as by the aid of a slot and pin stop mechanism similar to that described in connection with Fig. 12. In Fig. 11, the key 99 is illustrated and is shown as having a stop pin I05. Such a stop pin, however, is also carried by each of the other keys. The: pin I05. operates in a slot I06 formed in the lower wall 23 of frame 22.

The upper portions of the keys are received immediately below the cover member III'I. This cover member III! is similar to cover member 44 heretofore described. The cover member III! at its-left hand edge is provided with a series of lips I98 extending downwardly to form a more complete cover.

The thumb of the right hand is adapted to cooperate with the head I09 of alever III]. lever III] is shown in section in Fig. 11. It carries the spring fingers I I I cooperating. to control. the electrical circuits associated with the electrical pickups I I2 cooperating with each of the strings Ill, II, I2 and I3 (Fig. 3-). pickups are likewise arranged to affect the operation. of loud speaker and they are shown as accommodated in the upper surface of table I.

A recess II3 similar to recess 'lI (Fig. 3). is indicated and disposed in the table I to provide a space for ready manipulation of the fingers of the right hand in conjunction with the keys 98, 99, I'DO and Iill, and the head I09. As before, the" keys may carry graduation marks II4 that may cooperate with theupper edge 5 0f cover IOT, to indicate the angular positions of the corresponding rods 89.

The eight strings 6 to I 3, inclusive, are each adapted to be set into vibration by vibratory mechanism operated by the lower extremities of the player. The mechanism for vibrating the strings of the first set. '5, I, 8 and 9, is substantially identical with the mechanism utilized. for vibrating, the strings of the second set of strings II). II-,. I2 and I3. The vibrator mechanism for This These 8 the first set is intended to be operated by the right foot and leg of the player; and the vibrator mechanism for. the second set of strings is operated by the left foot and leg of the player. Accordingly, a description of the mechanism associated with theright foot and. leg of theplayer will servev as a description of the mechanism operated by the left foot and. leg of the operator.

The mechanism utilized for vibrating. the strings involves a rod associated with each string and operating. to strike the string with sufiicient force to set itinto vibration. The vibrator rod may be reciprocated at a rate determined by the operator so that the percussion effect is accomplished through any number of cycles.

The vibrator rods I16, III, H8 and II9- associated with the strings 6, I, 8 and 9- are illustrated in Figs. 3, 4, 5;. 14, 15 and 16. The upper ends of the vibrator rods are formed conveniently of rectangular cross section and are guided by the plates I2I fastened in the top of table I.

The lower ends of the vibrator rods. are shown as guided in a frame I22 (Figs. 4, 5, 14, 15 and 16).

This frame I22 comprises upper and lower bars, the lower one of which has guiding apertures for the flattened projecting ends I23, I24, I25 and I25. The manner in which the frame I22 is supported will be described hereinafter. It is sufficient for the present to note that the frame I22 serves to hold the vibrator rods H6, H1, IIB and H9 in appropriate spaced relationship.

Gompression springs I2-I are located between the upper and lower bars of the. frame I22 and surround the vertical portions of the vibrator rods I19, etc. The upper ends of the compression springs abut against the lower surface of the upper portion of the frame. The lower ends of the compression springs cooperate with pins I28 passing through the flattened ends of the vi brat-or rods. Accordingly, these springs. I21 urge the rods downwardly as viewed in Figs. 4 and 5, so that the upper ends of these vibrator rods are normally out of contact with their corresponding strings.

In order to urge the rods upwardly against the pressure of the springs I21 use is. made of a rotary structure capable of being operated by the right foot of. the player. This rotary structure includes a hollow shaft I29 (Figs. 4, 5, 6, 14, 17, 18 and 19). It is rotatably supported at its right hand end by telescoping over a stationary cylindrical support I35 formed on a bracket I30. This bracket I30 is fastened appropriately to the end wall I3I of a housing I32 that encloses the vibrator rod mechanism. This housing in this instance is formed in conjunction with the side wall 2 and a bottom wall I33. The side wall 2 at its lower end carries a bearing bracket 13 i (Figs. 2 and 4') serving as a bearing support for the left hand end of the shaft. I29.

The shaft I 29 carries a series of vibrator rod operators adapted to cooperate with the lower ends I23, I24, I25 and I26 of the vibrator rods. These vibrator rod operators are in the form of wheels I36 to I inclusive. The two end wheels I36 and I45 have a broad face while the intermediate wheels are quite narrow. The specific axial spacing of. these wheels, and the function of such spacing will be explained hereinafter. Each of .the wheels in the series is provided with a number of equally angularly spaced projections or cams I 46 (see particularly Fig 5). These projections or cams when the shaft I29 is rotated and when a wheel is in alinement with the lower 9 end of any of the vibrator rods will reciprocate the rods through a number of cycles, and thereby cause the corresponding strings to be vibrated.

Rotation of the shaft I29 in an oscillatory fashion or through complete revolutions may be accomplished by a smooth faced wheel I 41 (Figs. 4 and 14). This wheel I41 may be provided with the sloping flanges I48 at its opposite ends to restrain the foot I49 (Fig. 2) of the player from sliding off axially with respect to the wheel. By operation of the foot I49 the wheel I41 may be rotated through a sufficient angle and at any desired speed so as to cause the vibrator to operate through repeated cycles.

The manner in which the wheel I4! is attached to the shaft I29 is best illustrated in Fig 14. The wheel is hollow, being provided with one end web I49 and open at the opposite end. The wheel is also provided with a hollow hub I50 which telescopes over the left hand end of the shaft I29. The wheel I 41 is attached to the shaft I29 as by the aid of the flat head bolt I5I. If desired, a dowel pin I52 may be passed through the web I49 and into the end of the shaft I29 to maintain the wheel I in fixed angular position with respect to the shaft.

The flanges I48 provided at each end of the wheel I 41 make it possible for the foot I49 of the player to exert an axial force with respect to the wheel I41. In this way the axial positions of wheels I36 to I45 inclusive may be adjusted so as to operate on any combinationof the four vibrator rods. For example, in the position of Fig. 4, the wheel I41 and the shaft I29 are in their extreme right hand position. The only vibrator rod being operated in this position by rotation of shaft I29 is rod IIB. This rod is being actuated by the wheel I44, all of the other wheels being inactive in this position, since they are not in alinement with any vibrator rods.

The shaft I29 may be moved axially toward the left to assume the position of Fig 14. This movement is permitted since the hollow guiding shaft I extends for a considerable distance toward the left as seen in Fig 14. In the position of Fig 14, only the wheel I is active, causing vibrator rod I I1 only to be operated. Further movement of the shaft I29 toward the left causes the wheels to assume the position of Fig. 16. In this position only wheel I 36 is active and vibrator rod II6 alone is actuated when the wheel M1 is rotated.

Further axial movement toward the left as illustrated by the dot and dash position of Fig.

15 brings wheel I into position for operating only the vibrator rod II9.

Maximum axial movement of the shaft I29 toward the left is illustrated in the full line position of Fig 15. In this case the hub of wheel I45 is in contact with the wall of the bearing bracket I34. In this position wheels I31 and I45 are both active and therefore both vibrator rods II! and I I9 are capable of being operated by rotation of wheel I41.

No attempt has been made to describe every possible axial position of the shaft I29. It may readily be demonstrated however, that with the axial spacings of the cam wheels as illustrated, it is possible to render any combination of the vibrator rods operable u-pon appropriate axial adjustment of the shaft I 29.

In order to facilitate the axial adjustment of the shaft I29 to correspond to definite combination of vibrator rods that are to be operated, use is-made of a mechanism most clearly illustrated in Figs. 17 and 18. The shaft I29 carries a pair of hollow radial tubular members I53. The inner ends of these radial members communicate with the inside of the shaft I29. Sliding in these radial extensions is a cam follower mechanism including aroller I54. The roller I54 is journaled in the end of a slide I55 slidable in a radial direction within the hollow tubular members I53. In order to maintain the axes of both rollers I54 at right angles to the axis of the shaft I29, use is made of a pair of pins I56 extending outwardly from the slide I55 and engaging in elongated slots I5'I formed on opposite sides of the tubular guides I53. Caps I58 close the outer ends of the tubular guides I53. Compression springs I59 urge the slides I55 radially inwardly. This inward movement is limited by the cam member I60 with which the rollers I54 cooperate. This cam member I60 is provided with diametrically opposite slots or keyways I GI and I62. The bottom of the slots is defined by concavities I63 corresponding with the convex periphery of the rollers I54 and spaced axially along the cam member 599. Since this cam member is fixed against axial movement, the axial adjustment of shaft I29 causes rollers I54 to move along the keyways I6I, I62. Concavities I63 serve to position the shaft I29 in an axial direction; and the rollers I54 must come to rest within a concavity. In this way the axial adjustment of the vibrator operating mechanism is accomplished in a step by-step manner. Each step corresponds to a definite combination of wheels that cooperate with the vibrator rods. Accordingly, the selection of the combination of rods to be operated is dependent upon'the position of the rollers I54 with respect to the cam member I60.

Since the rollers I54 serve to key the shaft I29 and the cam member I60 together, the cam member I60 must be permitted to rotate along with the shaft I29. For this purpose the cam member IE0 is mounted for rotation upon a stationary shaft 264. This shaft I64 has a reduced end I65 passing through a bushing I66. This bushing I95 is fastened within the left hand end of the guide bearing I35. The right hand end of extension !95 is threaded for the accommodation of a nut I61. Slot I68 in the end of extension I65 is provided for the accommodation of a screw driver, for making it possible conveniently to adjust the angular position of the cam member.

Without any further precautions, axial movement of the shaft I29 may be prevented by interference between some of the cam teeth I40 (Fig. 4), carried by the actuator wheels I35 to I45 inclusive, with the lower ends of the vibrator rods. In order to ensure against this occurrence, the arrangement is such that when the foot .I 49 is not acting to rotate the shaft I 29, the shaft I29 comes to rest in an angular position where such interferen-ce can. not occur.

For this purpose the left hand end of cam member IE0 is provided with a series of teeth 8 69 (Fig. 20); These teeth or serrations are adapted to cooperate with the corresponding teeth or serrations I70 in the end of a collar III This collar I'II is slidable on the stationary shaft I64. It is restrained against angular movement by the aid of a pin. I72 passing through appropriate slots in the hub of the collar III. A compression spring I13. mounted on the left hand end of the shaft I64, constantly urges the collar III toward the right as viewed in Fig. 17.

The serrations or teeth I69, I10, have sides sloping to such an extent that the cam member 11 .ifiil can assume an angular position of rest only in a position Where these serrations engage completely. As illustrated in Fig. 2e, the serrations are angularly spaced to correspond to the spaces between the cams or projections Hi5 carried by the wheels I36 to M5 inclusive.

As heretofore stated, the cycles of operation of the vibrator rods H8, H7, H8 and H9 have periods corresponding to the rate at which shaft 129 is angularly moved by the foot of the player. "When the axial position of the shaft I29 is such that more than-one of the vibrator rods I I6, etc. is operated, it is advantageous sometimes to arrange matters in such a Way that the :cycle of operations of one vibrator rod be out of phase with the cycle of operations of another rod. For example, it may be desirable that, as wheel Ml (Fig. is rotated by the foot, the vibrator rod I It may be moved upwardly ahead of the time when vibrator rod H9 is moved upwardly. In other words, the forces placing the strings into vibration come into action in succession, rather than simultaneously.

In order to effect this result, the frame 122 is mounted for slight angular adjustment about a vertical pivot. Thus as shown in Fig. 4, the frame M2 is provided at its right hand end with stub shafts H4 and I15. These stub shafts are mounted in appropriately formed bearings supported on the bracket 13% At the left handend of the frame 122 (Fig. 6) a recess lit is formed in "which operates the ball ended a-r-m Hi. This arm H1 is angularly adjustable, since it is mounted on a long shaft 1'78 extending vertically upwardly of the mechanism.

The lower end of shaft W8 is pivoted by the aid of bracket I3 3. The upper end is pivoted "in a bracket 179 (Fig. 4). As the shaft H8 is adjusted angularly, the angular position of the frame I22 is also adjusted angularly. One extreme position is illustrated in Fig. 6. This position corresponds to the one that the apparatus assumes normally, under the influence of a torsion spring I19 (Fig, 4). This torsion spring is coiled around the shaft I18. One end of the spring is attached to the wall 2. The other end. of the spring is attached to the hub I80 of an arm Ifll (Figs. 4 and '7). Thus, hub lse-is fastened to the shaft H8. The arm it! carries an. adjustable abutment I82 adapted to cooperate with the surface of wall 2. The tension of the spring H9 is such that it creates a torque tend- 'ing to rotate shaft H8 in clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 7. It is, however, restrained against further movement than as illustrated in ig. '7, by contact of the adjustable abutment I82 with the right hand surface of the wall 2.

By angular adjustment of the frame I22 therefore, the ends I23 to I26 of the vibrator rods fall along a line that is non-parallel with the axis of the shaft I29. As seen most clearly in Fig. 5, this has the effect of angular displacement of these ends about the axis of shaft M9, and a corresponding phase displacement of the operation of the corresponding vibrator rods.

In order to be sure that there be no binding of the rods in the guides, the guide apertures in the lower part of frame I22 are formed with convex sides as clearly indicated in Fig. 5. The upper sides of the frame I22 are provided with through apertures that have clearance sufficiently great to prevent binding. The slight angular motion of the frame I22 has no material effect upon the guides disposed at the upper end of the vibrator rods.

player.

'venientlyof sheet metal.

wall '2' is appropriately apertured as indicated at use to permit the lever I 84 to extend through to the left hand side of the wall '2. If desired.

an arcuate guard extension 1 86 "may be provided for the lever [84.

The description of the apparatus for selectively vibrating the strings '6, l, 8 and 9 is now com-- plete. A substantially similar structurecan be arranged t be operated by the left foot of the player, for operating the vibrator rods 1'8"], 1 88, 85 and 193 (Fig. 3). These vibrator rods cooperate with the left hand ends of the strings H3, H, i2 and I3.

In the operation of the instrument the player is seated'in a'convenient position sot-hat he-may rest his feet upon the wheels Ml. Then by appropriate movement of the knee and the foot he can select and operate the vibrator rods as desired. At the same time he utilizes his right and left hands respectively for manipulating the keys M3, M, 42, 43 at one end of the instrument, and the keys 98, 99, HR) and H at the other end of the instrument. The thumbs of the hands may be utilized as-desi-red for controlling-the electrical circuits-"associated with thee'lectr'ical pickups.

The inventor claims:

i. In a musical instrument, one or more tens'ioned strings, and means'for vibrating said string or strings, comprising a rotary member, one or more string engaging rods operated by rotation of said member, means guiding the movement of the rods in a substantially longitudinal direction, and means for shifting said rotary member to various positions to selectively determine the rods operated thereby during its ro- 'tation.

a. In a musical instrument, one or more tensioned strings, and means-if or vibrating saidstring or strings, comprisin one or more linearlymovable rods adapted to engage the strings, manual means for operating said rods, and means :rnounting said manual means for-transverse movement across said rods to selectively determine the rods operated thereby.

3. In a musical instrument, one or more tensioned strings, and means for vibratingsaidstring or strings, comprising a manually controlled wheel having angularlyspaced projections, one or more linearly movable rods, respectively for each string, operated by angular motion of the projections to move into and out of contact with the respective string, and means for shifting said Wheel to selectively determine the rod or rods operable by its projections.

4. In a musical instrument, a plurality of tensioned strings, a plurality of string vibrators reany one or more of said vibrators, comprising a rotary structure, having axially spaced means for operating said vibrators, and means independent of the rotation of said structure, for adjusting the structure axially.

6. In a musical instrument, a plurality of tensioned strings, a plurality of string vibrators respectively associated with said strings, manually controlled means engageable with said strings at various points along their normally unsupported lengths for determining the free length of any string, and means for selectively operating any one or more of said vibrators, comprising an angularly and axially adjustable structure, having axially spaced means for operating said vibrators, and means limiting and maintaining the adjusted axial positions of said structure.

7. In a musical instrument, a plurality of tensioned strings, vibrators respectively cooperating with the strings, and manually controlled means for operating said vibrators, comprising a rotary structure having a series of axially spaced members, each, of said members having angularly spaced projections cooperating to move said vibrators alternately to contact and release the corresponding strings, and independently operable means for axially adjusting said rotary structure for selectively alining the members with said vibrators.

8. In a musical instrument, a plurality of tensioned strings, vibrators respectively cooperating with the strings, and means for operating said vibrators, comprising a rotary structure having a series of axially spaced members, each of said members having angularly spaced projections cooperating to move said vibrators alternately to contact and release the corresponding strings, means for axially adjusting said rotary structure for selectively alining the members with said vibrators, and means determining and maintaining the adjusted axial positions of said structure.

9. In a musical instrument, a plurality of tensioned strings, vibrators respectively cooperating with the strings, and manually controlled means for operating said vibrators, comprising a rotary structure having a series of axially spaced members, each of said members having angularly spaced projections cooperating to move said vibrators alternately to contact and release the corresponding strings, means for axially adjusting said rotary structure for selectively alining the members with said vibrators, and means ensuring that said rotary structure assumes definite angular positions between periods of rotation.

10. In a musical instrument, a plurality of tensioned strings, manual means engageable with said strings at various points along their normally unsupported lengths for adjusting the free lengths of said strings, vibrators respectively cooperating with said strings, and means capable of operation by the lower extremity, for operating said vibrators, comprising a rotary structure having angularly spaced projections cooperating to move said vibrators alternately to contact and release the corresponding strings.

11. In a musical instrument, a plurality of tensioned strings, manual means for adjusting the free lengths of said strings, vibrators respectively cooperating with said strings, and means capable of operation by the lower extremity, for operating said vibrators, comprising a rotary structure having a series of axially spaced members, each of said members having angularly spaced projections cooperating to move said vibrators alternately to contact and release the correspond ing strings, and means for axially adjusting said rotary structure by a force exerted by a lower extremity, for selectively alining the members with said vibrators. I

12. In a musical instrument, a plurality of tensioned strings, a plurality of vibrators adapted respectively to vibrate said strings, a mechanism for selectively operating any one or more of said vibrators, alternately to contact and release the corresponding strings, and means for adjusting between limits, the relative phase relationship of the cycles of operations of the selected vibrators, whereby the respective strings are not contacted simultaneously, but at spaced intervals.

13. In a musical instrument, a plurality of tensioned strings, a plurality of vibrators adapted respectively to vibrate said strings, a rotary structure for operating said vibrators, said structure having axially spaced members, each member having a series of angularly spaced projections adapted to cooperate with a respective vibrator, and means for adjusting the phase relation between the respective cycles of operation of the vibrators, comprising a frame guide for the vibrators, and means for angularly adjusting the guide about an axis transverse to the axis of rotation of the structure.

14. In a stringed musical instrument, a plurality of substantially parallel tensioned strings. means operable from one end of the series of strings for adjusting the free length of some of the strings, and means operable from the other end of the series of strings for adjusting the free length of the other strings, both of said means comprising respective instrumentalities engageable with each of said strings at various selected positions along its length for selectively determining the rate of vibration of said string.

15. In a stringed musical instrument, a pair of sets of substantially parallel tensioned strings. the strings of one set alternating with those of the other set, means operable from one end of the first set for adjusting the free length of the strings in said first set, said means being selectively engageable with each string in said first set at various points along its length for selectively determining its vibration rate, and means operable from the corresponding end of the second set for adjusting the free length of the strings in said second set, said last mentioned means being selectively engageable with each string in said second set at various points along its length for selectively determining its vibration rate. 1

16. In a stringed musical instrument, a plurality of substantially parallel tensioned strings, means operable from one end of the series of strings for adjusting the free length of some of the strings, means operable from the other end of the series of strings for adjusting the free length of the other strings, both of said means comprising respective instrumentalities engageable with each of said strings at various selected points along its length for selectively altering the rate of vibration of said string, and manual means for selectively vibrating said strings.

17. In a stringed musical instrument, a pair of sets of substantially parallel tensioned strings, the strings of one set alternating with those of the other set, means operable from one end of the first set for adjusting the free length of the strings in said first set, said means being selectively engageable with each string in said first set at various points alon its unsupported length for selectively determining its vibration rate, means operable from the corresponding end of the :second set for adjusting the free length of thegstrings insaid second SBtySfild last-mentioned means being selectively engageable 'With each string in said second set at various points along its unsupported length for selectivelydetermining its vibration rate, and manual means 'for selectively vibrating said strings.

'18. In a stringed musical instrument, a plurality ofsubstantially parallel tensioned strings, means operable from one end of the series of strings for adjustin the free length of some of the strings, means operable from the other end of the series 0f strings for adjusting the free length of the other strings, both of said means comprising respective instrumentalities engageable witheach of said strings at various selected positions along its length forselectively determining the rate of vibration of said string and mechanism adapted to be rotated bythe lower extremities, .ior selectively vibrating said strings.

19. In a stringed musical-instrument, a plurality of substantially parallel tensioned strings, means operable from one end of the series of strings for adjusting the free length of some of the strings, means operable from the other end of the series of strings for adjusting the free length of the other strings, both of said means com-prising respective instrumentalities engageable with each of :said strings at various selected positions alon its length for selectively determining the rate ofvibr-ation of said string and a pair of ;-rotary structures, adapted to be rotated respectively by the lower extremities-of the player for selectively vibratingthestrings by alternately contacting and releasing the strings, through one or more cycles.

20. In a stringed musical instrument, a pluralityof substantially parallel tensioned strings, means operable from one end of the "series of strings, for adjusting the free length of some of therstrings, means operable from the other end of the series of strings for adjusting the free length h of the other strings, and a pair-of rotary structures, adapted to be rotated respectively by the lower extremities of the player for selectively vibrating the strings by alternately contacting and releasing the strings, through one or morecycles, and means also operated by the lower extremities, for adjusting the relative phase relation between the cycles of the respective strings, Whereby the respective strings are not contacted .simultaneously, but at spaced intervals.

"21. In a stringed musical instrument, aplurality of substantially parallel tensioned strings, means operable from one end of the series of strings for adjusting the free length of some of the strings, means operable from the other end of the series of strings for adjusting the free length of the other strings, and a pair of rotary structures, adapted to be rotated respectively by the lower extremities of the player, for selectively-vb brating the strings, said rotary structures being axially adjustable by aid of the lower extremities, :for determining the string or strings to be vibrated.

'22. In a musical instrument, a plurality of tensioned strings, and means for vibrating said strings, comprising a plurality of string contacting members, operators for respectively vibrating said members, each of said operators having uniformly spaced portions adapted in succession to move said members, and manual means for moving said-operators to'positions permitting said operators to vibrate one or more of said [members or to prevent said operators from vibrating one or more of said members,

23. In a stringed musical instrument, a support, a plurality of tensioned strings supported by the aid of said support, manually operated means for adjusting the free vibrating lengths of a number of said strings, and operable adjacent one end of the support, and manually 0perated means for adjusting the free vibrating lengths of other strings, and operable adjacent the other end of said support, both of said means comprising respective instrumentalities engage-- able with each of said strings at various selected positions along its length for selectively determining the rate oi vibration of said string.

24. In :a musical instrument, one or more tensioned strings, and means for vibrating said string or strings, comprisinga rotary membenone or more string engaging rods operated by rotation of said member, means guiding the movemen-t 0f the rods in a substantially longitudinal direction, and means for ,axiallyshifting said rotary member transversely of said rods to various positions to selectively determine the rods operated thereby.

25. In a musical instrument, a plurality of strings, means supporting each of said strings at spaced points in tensioned condition, a plurality of string vibrators respectively associated with said strings, manually controlled means selectively engageable with each of said strings at various points intermediate its supporting points to determine the free length of said string, and manually controlled means for selectively operating any one or more of said vibrators.

26. In a musical instrument, a plurality vof ten sioned strings, a plurality of string vibrators respectively associated with said strings, manually controlled means determining the free length of any string, means for selectively operating any one or more of said vibrators, comprising a rotary structure having axially spaced means for operating said vibrators, and means for adjusting the structure axially to variously positionsaid axially spaced means and correspondingly vary the one or more vibrators operated thereby during rotation of said structure.

JOHN W. MCBRIDE,

REFERENCE S CITED The iollowing references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 

